ANTICOCCIDIAL ACTIVITY OF ALBORIXIN

Alborixin, a polyether antibiotic with ionophore properties, was evaluated to determine the effect of the drug on weight gain of chickens and to define the anticoccidial spectrum of activity. The 50-ppm concentration in the diet was identified as the maximum level that did not significantly reduce weight gain beyond that of monensin (standard drug); consequently, the drug was evaluated for anticoccidial activity at this dilution. At the 50-ppm level, alborixin demonstrated broad-spectrum anticoccidial activity; however, the drug lacked Eimeria necatrix efficacy. Monensin and maduramycin were significantly more efficacious than alborixin as a treatment for several species of Eimeria. Higher concentrations of alborixin (> 50 ppm) appear essential to achieve broad-spectrum and comparable anticoccidial activity, however, these levels substantially depressed weight gains. Alborixin is similar to many other polyethers in that weight gains are adversely affected at drug levels essential for solid broad-spectrum anticoccidial activity. Coccidiostats are important prophylactic agents in the poultry industry. The first report identi- fying monensin as an anticoccidial (Shumard and Callender, 1967) stimulated researchers to search for other polyether antibiotics with similar bioactivity. The polyether antibiotics are micro-